Tope Temokun, one of the lawyers representing human rights activist and legal practitioner Dele Farotimi, has refuted claims that his client sent Peter Obi to beg legal icon Afe Babalola over an alleged defamation lawsuit.
Speaking as a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Temokun clarified that Farotimi never authorized Obi to approach Babalola or to seek an out-of-court settlement regarding the defamation case involving Farotimi and the renowned lawyer.
Earlier in December, Farotimi was arrested by the police in Ekiti State and brought to the state for prosecution. He faces charges related to his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary and influencing a revised Supreme Court ruling. Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in prison pending legal proceedings in multiple courts, including those in Abuja and Oyo State.
Temokun visited Farotimi in prison on Friday, where they discussed recent events, including the visit by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party. The visit created some confusion, with rumors circulating about the conditions for Farotimi’s release and the possibility of an apology.
Temokun recounted his conversation with Farotimi: “I asked him directly about Peter Obi’s visit and whether he had sent anyone to seek an out-of-court resolution. Farotimi was clear in his response, stating that anyone who believes he would beg anyone over a matter involving a book he published is mistaken. He was very firm, telling me that if I, too, believed such a thing, he would be deeply disappointed.”
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Temokun confirmed that Farotimi is in good spirits and remains confident that he will prevail in the various courts.
